Dean Robert Tuin

DEAN ROBERT TUIN was born on June 24, 1946 to George and Lois (Like) Tuin in Slayton, Minnesota. He attended school in the Slayton area and later moved with his family to Worthington, Minnesota where he continued his education. After his graduation from high school in 1965, he worked for a short time for Campbell’s Soup. On August 13, 1966, Dean was united in marriage to Patricia Huebner at St. James Lutheran Church in Holland, Minnesota. In September of 1966, Dean was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. Upon his return in 1968, he and his wife moved to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The two continued to live there for six months after which time he was honorably discharged. When they returned to Pipestone, Dean worked for Bayliner for 15 years. In the late 1970s, he became employed at the Pipestone VoTech as a fiberglass instructor until the program ended about 15 years later. He then started working as a corrections officer at the Pipestone County Sheriff’s Office. Due to his failing health, he retired in 2007. On Saturday, June 27, 2015, Dean passed away at the Pipestone County Medical Center at the age of 69 years and three days.

Dean loved travelling with Pat, going to casinos, camping, and fishing. However, what he loved most in the world was spending time with his grandchildren. Sharing gum and circus peanuts with them was always a special part of their time together. Dean was an avid sports fan; he loved racing, Vikings football and Twins baseball. Spending time with his beloved dog, Daisy and feeding her treats was something he did many times a day. Their shared loved of ice cream cones will be remembered by all. Dean was a friendly, fun-loving man who would talk your ear off with his many stories.

Dean is lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years, Pat Tuin, of Pipestone; two children, Doug (Becky) Tuin of Fulda, Minnesota, and Kim (Fred) Portz of Pipestone; three grandchildren, Taylor (and special friend, Levi Ossefoort)and Tara Tuin, and William Portz; one brother, Ron (Connie) Tuin of Faribault, Minnesota; three sisters-in-law, Marlene Tuin of Worthington, Lavon Timm of Pipestone, and Donna Reese of Carlos, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews. Dean was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Donald.